What: We love traditional Dutch broodjes (sandwiches)—your kaas (cheese), roast beef, kroketten, eel, ossenworst, etc.—but this Suriname-inspired take is a tastebud-awakening change of pace. Chicken and baked malanga (a tropical, starchy, taro-like root vegetable) are mashed into a typically delicious Dutch bread roll with zuur, a tangy-spicy pickled cabbage-onion relish, and peper, a hot pepper sauce. It’s creamy, it’s meaty, it’s tart and spicy—it’s completely unexpected on the Dutch culinary landscape. In a word: delicious.
Where: Generally accepted as one of the best spots for broodje pom, De Tokoman (020-330-3017; multiple locations including Gijsbrecht van Aemstelstraat 2, Ouderkerk aan de Amstel) is a no-frills affair in the suburb of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel—making it a perfect snacking stop on a leisurely bike ride out of town. (In Amsterdam, it’s located at Waterlooplein 327, map).
When: Daily, noon-8pm
Order: The broodje pom (€3,30) was eminently satisfying here—so much so that we ordered a second! Make sure you get the peper sauce. You might also try some other Surinamese goodies here, like a broodje kerrie kip (chicken curry sandwich) or roti roll (chicken curry with potatoes and green beans wrapped in roti).
Alternatively: Try another good Surinamese spot, like popular Spang Makandra (Gerard Doustraat 39, map) or Albina (20-675-5135; Albert Cuypstraat 69, map), both near Albert Cuypmarkt in the hip De Pijp neighborhood.
